A lot of times ESG focuses on Environmental sustainability. How can CEOs effectively create inclusive environments that empower people with disabilities as employees, customers, and as business partners in small to medium businesses?
How can companies effectively implement Disability Inclusion as part of ESG Strategy?
by Mary Njeri Gakuo -
Number of replies: 5
In reply to Mary Njeri Gakuo
Re: How can companies effectively implement Disability Inclusion as part of ESG Strategy?
by Leela Julong -
Thanks for raising this, Mary. Disability inclusion often gets sidelined in ESG conversations, yet it’s central to the “S” in ESG. For SMEs, progress starts with leadership commitment and practical steps like:
- Embedding inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations
- Co-designing products and services with input from persons with disabilities
- Partnering with disability-led organizations for training and supplier diversity
Even small changes—like accessible digital platforms or inclusive event planning can signal genuine commitment.
- Embedding inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations
- Co-designing products and services with input from persons with disabilities
- Partnering with disability-led organizations for training and supplier diversity
Even small changes—like accessible digital platforms or inclusive event planning can signal genuine commitment.
In reply to Mary Njeri Gakuo
Re: How can companies effectively implement Disability Inclusion as part of ESG Strategy?
by Angela Ibanez -
Companies can effectively implement disability inclusion in their ESG strategy by incorporating clear diversity and inclusion policies into their governance, setting measurable goals, and ensuring accessible hiring processes. This involves offering reasonable accommodations in the workplace, using assistive technologies, adapting facilities, and training teams to reduce stigma. Likewise, integrating accessibility criteria into products, services, and digital platforms ensures that the company's value proposition is inclusive and reaches a broader market.
In addition, inclusion is strengthened by working with inclusive suppliers, forming alliances with social organizations, and promoting the active participation of people with disabilities in the design of initiatives. All of this must be reported transparently using international indicators and frameworks such as GRI or SDGs, showing progress and results. In this way, companies not only comply with regulations and reduce risks, but also enhance their reputation, attract responsible investors, and improve their long-term sustainability.
In addition, inclusion is strengthened by working with inclusive suppliers, forming alliances with social organizations, and promoting the active participation of people with disabilities in the design of initiatives. All of this must be reported transparently using international indicators and frameworks such as GRI or SDGs, showing progress and results. In this way, companies not only comply with regulations and reduce risks, but also enhance their reputation, attract responsible investors, and improve their long-term sustainability.
In reply to Angela Ibanez
Re: How can companies effectively implement Disability Inclusion as part of ESG Strategy?
by Leela Julong -
Thanks, Angela, your breakdown is spot-on. To deepen impact, companies can also:
- Conduct regular accessibility audits across physical, digital, and communication touchpoints
- Include disability inclusion KPIs in ESG dashboards and link them to leadership accountability
- Establish employee resource groups (ERGs) for persons with disabilities to guide internal policy and culture
- Engage in inclusive procurement, prioritizing suppliers that demonstrate disability-friendly practices
- Leverage inclusive innovation, such as universal design principles in product development
Embedding these measures into governance and reporting frameworks like GRI, SDGs, or ISSB helps ensure transparency and long-term value creation and not just reputational gain.
- Conduct regular accessibility audits across physical, digital, and communication touchpoints
- Include disability inclusion KPIs in ESG dashboards and link them to leadership accountability
- Establish employee resource groups (ERGs) for persons with disabilities to guide internal policy and culture
- Engage in inclusive procurement, prioritizing suppliers that demonstrate disability-friendly practices
- Leverage inclusive innovation, such as universal design principles in product development
Embedding these measures into governance and reporting frameworks like GRI, SDGs, or ISSB helps ensure transparency and long-term value creation and not just reputational gain.
In reply to Leela Julong
Re: How can companies effectively implement Disability Inclusion as part of ESG Strategy?
Companies need to appoint senior leaders or board members in the top management to champion disability inclusion. The top management should encourage all stakeholders to adopt inclusive practices in their day to day operational activities and further use standardized Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in aligning Company frameworks with disability inclusion tracking tools.
In reply to DEBRA TUMUKUNDE TALEMWA
Re: How can companies effectively implement Disability Inclusion as part of ESG Strategy?
by Leela Julong -
Thank you, Debra, for this thoughtful contribution. Championing disability inclusion at the leadership level is key to driving meaningful change. Embedding inclusive practices into daily operations and tracking progress with clear KPIs ensures accountability and long-term impact. Well articulated.